Expert prediction
MLB: Pirates vs Rays Odds, and Picks (May 2)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Pirates lost to the Nationals, 7-2, on Sunday.
- Tampa Bay came up short, 12-9, against the White Sox.
- Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay are 9-9 against each other in their team history.
The Pirates (20-9) and the Rays (23-6) will meet for a matchup between the MLB’s top two teams. Tampa Bay has been even better than expected, while Pittsburgh has fully turned things around from last season.
Jump to:
How to Watch
- Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
- When: Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 6:40 p.m ET
- How to Watch: Bally Sports
Odds
| Team | Moneyline |
| Pirates | |
| Rays |
Game Preview
Pittsburgh has had an exceptional start to their season. After failing to eclipse 83 wins in a season since 2015, the Pirates are finally beginning to look competitive again. They currently sit at 20-9, boasting an impressive 11-5 record on the road. They’ve been balanced on both sides of the ball, holding the MLB’s 3rd best run differential, and ranking in the top-5 in both runs scored and runs allowed. The Pirates are back.
The Rays were 6-0 against the White Sox this season prior to Sunday’s loss, where they failed to sweep them for a 2nd time. They still hold the MLB’s best record at 23-6, continuing to win at a blistering pace. Tampa Bay also boasts the league’s best run differential, having already eclipsed the +100 mark. They rank 1st in runs scored, averaging nearly 7 runs per game, and 1st in runs allowed, giving up just over 3 rpg.
Prediction
Both the Pirates and the Rays have played fantastic baseball so far this season. They currently sit as the #1 and #2 team in the MLB based on record. Tampa Bay has had a historically strong start, setting them a level apart from the rest, but have come back down to earth lately. With Roansy Contreras (3.58 ERA) on the mound for Pittsburgh against Javy Guerra (8.64 ERA) for the Rays, I like the Pirates to get the upset.
MLB Picks:
MLB
More Predictions
World Series: Rays vs. Brewers Game 4 Picks, Odds & Betting Analysis
There is a sense of inevitability in the 2026 World Series, as Milwaukee Brewers require just one more victory to win the biggest MLB honor for the first time. History will be against the Tampa Bay Rays, as no team has ever recovered from 3-0 down to win the World Series. You can find the […]
World Series: Rays vs. Brewers Game 3 Picks, Odds & Betting Analysis
The intense action in the World Series steps up a gear on Monday, as the first game of the series to see the Tampa Bay Rays have home-field advantage will be staged. It will be a must-win encounter for the hosts, following defeats in Games 1 and 2 at American Family Field. A victory for […]
World Series: Brewers vs. Rays Game 2 Picks, Odds & Betting Analysis
The intensity increases in the World Series on Saturday evening, as Game 2 between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays is set for American Family Field. Milwaukee will be hoping for a fast start in their opening two games, but the Rays have been consistent on their travels in the postseason. The latest odds […]
World Series: Brewers vs. Rays Game 1 Picks, Odds & Betting Analysis
The high-pressure action in the MLB reaches new heights on Oct. 23, as the 2026 World Series gets underway. Both the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers will be targeting first honors, and whichever team deals with the pressure the best will likely seize the advantage. The Brewers will have the Game 1 home-field advantage, and you […]
World Series 2026: Brewers vs. Rays Picks, Series Odds & Betting Analysis
History awaits in the MLB postseason, as a first-time World Series champion will be crowned in 2026. The Tampa Bay Rays are hoping that it’s their third time lucky, having lost in the 2008 and 2020 World Series, while the Milwaukee Brewers chase a first honor in their return to the World Series for the […]